Your last paragraph hit it on the head sioux-cia,
as a soon to be doc, i would certainly love the opportunity to practice eye care in grand forks, and even though it is fairly saturated, the quality of life and people are a big reason i am willing to take less of a return on my education.
i do think it is vital that the "non-hospital" on the south of town becomes a hospital, i think the health care system of grand forks could benefit greatly.